It is with deep regret that the board members and staff at Ireland West Airport Knock have learned of the death of longstanding friend and former member of the board of directors, John Mahon.
John Mahon served on the board of Directors for nearly 19 years being appointed to the Board of Connaught Airport Development Company Limited in October 1986 and resigned in July 2005. John played a key role in many aspects of the Airport’s development over the years and his contribution in that time was notable for his concern and care for the Airport and for the people around him.
In the early years, John applied great drive, initiative and tireless energy to overcome the difficult task of raising funds to complete the building of the Airport which he succeeded in doing. He was the main force behind the development of the Airport’s Duty Free shop which was set up in 1987 and which was to become a much needed source of income for the Company. As an airport Director and Spar supermarket owner in Charlestown, John approached the Monsignor and advised him to keep the Duty Free Shop under the control of the Airport as he felt it could be operated within the Company and he oversaw this enterprise for the inaugural year, of which he gave his time and expertise frei gratis. John also did a sponsored ‘slimathon’ to raise £5,000 for fitting out of the shop. The shop prospered well and John believed that it was the vehicle that paid the staff wages because there were not enough passengers coming through in the early years to meet costs from flights alone. When the duty free status was abolished in 1999, the Airport Board was without a lifeline. It was then that the £6 levy on outward passengers was introduced. John stated that the Airport could not have survived without the levy through difficult days.
During the 19 years of his term as a Board member, John Mahon’s foresight and enthusiasm helped drive the Airport through many challenges. The chairman, members of the board, management and staff pay warm respect and tribute to him and acknowledge the marvellous contribution he made to the Airport throughout the years.
Paying Tribute to John Mahon, Liam Scollan, Chairman, Ireland West Airport Knock said: "John was a loyal servant of the Airport and played an important role in its development. Since he became a Board Director in 1986, he invested his time selflessly in whatever needed doing. My lasting image of him is seeing him so often in the terminal building lost in conversation with members of staff all of whom he cared for. What came across most strongly was his passion for the Airport and his caring nature for people His warm spirit of selfless dedication will be a lasting testimony to him that will live on to inspire us for the future. On behalf of the Board and the entire staff, I offer our condolences to Aine and his family and wish them strength of faith and hope at this time."
From all the board members, management and staff at Ireland West Airport Knock.
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